Jeanelle Ward

Jeanelle Evelyn Ward was born on Feb 17, 1935 in Granite Falls, MN, the daughter of Lauris and Petra Christopherson. She was baptized on Sept. 15, 1935 and confirmed in the Lutheran faith on May 22, 1949 at Rock Valle Lutheran Church, near Echo, MN. Jeanelle grew up and attended country school in Sioux Agency Township, Yellow Medicine County, MN and graduated from high school in Echo, MN. On July 2, 1955, she was united in marriage to Leon Ward in Iowa. She worked as a bank teller for many years and also worked in a dress shop. Jeanelle also assisted Leon in the family business. Jeanelle was a faithful member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Montevideo and participated in numerous church activities, including teaching Sunday school. She enjoyed golfing, fishing, shopping, playing cards, flower gardening, bowling and cooking for her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with her friends and family, especially her grand children and great grandchildren. Jeanelle was blessed with a keen sense of humor and was a woman who cared deeply for others. On Wednesday February 4, 2009, Jeanelle was called from this life at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. She was 73 years of age. Surviving family include her husband Leon of Montevideo, MN; her daughter Tamara (& Gary) Johnson of Montevideo, MN; her son Jeffrey (& Kathy) Ward of Montevideo, MN; her 5 grandchildren- Joshua and Yanik Johnson, Sadie, Thomas and Phillip Ward; her 3 great grandchildren- Tanner, Shayli & Parker Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister- Celeste Johnson and three brothers- Percy, Merlin & Clayton Christopherson.